12:18

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

18a
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword,

18b but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

This verse contrasts the harmful effects of reckless words and the healing effects of wise words.

12:18a

Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword: The phrase Speaking rashly refers to impulsive or thoughtless words. These are words that a person says hastily without thinking of the consequences.

This clause is a simile. In this simile, reckless words are compared to sword thrusts. The similarity is that both cause deep wounds. Some ways to translate this simile are:

• Keep the simile, as most English versions have done. For example:

Thoughtless words can wound like a sword (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Careless words stab like a sword (New Century Version)

• If swords are not well known, substitute something similar such as a knife or machete. For example:

Words thoughtlessly spoken are like the stabs of a knife

• Focus on the function of a sword rather than mentioning the sword itself. For example:

Some people make cutting remarks (New Living Translation (2004))

12:18b

but the tongue of the wise brings healing: the tongue of the wise is a figure of speech. It represents the words that wise people speak. Such words heal or soothe the hurt or trouble that is caused by thoughtless words.

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